Are you intrigued by some of the art and how it is created? Maybe you have an idea of your own that you think you might like to try…. or perhaps you are just curious. A needle felting class might be something you might like to try. Please check the schedule and the locations below and see if a class might work for you. We tend to have alot of fun in class and sometimes students see projects go in directions they never thought possible. Many of the students feel that they are not all that artistic, but no one said you had to be ….just come and enjoy learning needle felting and enjoy the camaraderie. Hope to see you soon!!! If you would like to receive an email with the schedule as I update it please contact me at irene@ireneheckel.com and ask to be added to my email list.
Schedule Of Needle Felting Classes
I am constantly adding new classes. Checkout my current list of classes below to see which of our classes interest you.
Stab & Gab sessions are currently offered on Zoom, once a week on Thursdays at 12 noon. For more details or to join the sessions, please contact me at irene@ireneheckel.com to add you to the list so that you will get the invite to our Zoom session.
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Heritage Weavers and Fiber Artists
The location of classes will be at Historic Johnson Farm (see address below). If you wish to register for classes at this location, please visit the website for Heritage Weavers and Fiber Artists (www.hwfawnc.org) and check under classes and calendar for dates and times, etc. You will need to fill out the class sign up form (under the drop down for classes) and follow the instructions on the form. The class fee is listed … materials fee is extra (if you are a member of HWFA you get a discount – if you intend to take a few classes you may be interested in joining – inquire on the website) Any questions, please contact them. Here is the link to the class on their website:
www.hwfawnc.org/classes
Needle Felt A Penguin
Monday February 10th
10am – 3pm
Maximum number of students: 8
Prerequisites: just want to have fun
Class Description: Needle Felt a Penguin Companion for Winter while being on time for Valentine’s Day. It is winter weather, a good time to create something that makes us smile during this cold season! This class we will be needle felting a penguin, to help with the winter blues! The penguin will be about 3”- 4” tall and have a small felt scarf or red heart as an accessory. Good class for experienced or beginner students. We will be learning more sculpting techniques and practicing some of the ones you may have learned.
Fee: $50 for HWFA members (must have completed orientation at the time of registration) or $60 for non-members, payable by check, cash or credit card
Materials fee: $15 payable in cash to teacher first day of class
Materials provided by instructor: everything
Supplies brought by students: snacks & drinks
Needle Felt A Magnificent Monarch
Friday & Saturday April 17th & 18th
9:30am – 3:30 pm
Maximum number of students: 8
Instructor: Irene Heckel-Volpe
Date: April 17 & 18, 2025
Time: 9:30 – 3:30
Maximum number of students: 8
Prerequisites: Some knowledge of needle felting
Class Description:
It’s springtime and time to appreciate the beauty of the butterfly and one of our amazing pollinators! We will be needle felting a 5 x 7 painting featuring the monarch butterfly as the main focus, with a background and flower to land on! It is geared toward students who have some prior class experience as this design is detailed and a bit intricate. We will also be doing a small bit of embroidery using pearl cotton to enhance the detail. This is a project that will definitely utilize previous skills and hopefully add some to your arsenal.
Fee: $120 for HWFA members (must have completed orientation at the time of registration) or $130 for non-members, payable by check, cash or credit card
Materials fee: $15 payable in cash to teacher first day of class
Materials provided by instructor: Irene will provide all materials necessary to complete this painting. She will also supply a work pad which needs to be returned at the end of the class
Supplies brought by students: snacks/lunch and drinks
To secure your seat in the class, send check with Sign-Up Form to:
Heritage Weavers and Fiber Arts (HWFA)
3346 Haywood Road
Hendersonville, NC 28791
Classes At Other Locations
Purple Crayon – Asheville, NC
Needle Felt A Bunny
Friday April 4th
Looking for something special for your spring décor—or a little one’s Easter basket? Hop on into Purple Crayon for another fun needle felting workshop with fiber artist Irene Heckel-Volpe. This time, we’ll be making an adorable 6” (approximately) free-standing bunny (that’s lying down!) that’s sure to steal your (or a lucky child’s) heart!
In this full-day workshop, you’ll learn the basics of needle felting, including what fibers are appropriate for creating a needle felted structure, how to build a three-dimensional piece, and how to embellish creations by adding details.
Whether this is your first time needle felting, or you’ve been doing it for years, you’re sure to have success and learn something new!
COMING SOON!! Please check back for details on the class and the link to the class ….
Blue Ridge Fiber Festival – Sparta NC
June 6th & 7th, 2025
CLASS SCHEDULE FOR THIS EVENT SHOULD BE POSTED IN JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025
The first annual Blue Ridge Fiber Fest was held in Sparta, North Carolina on June 2 and 3, 2018. This area of northwest North Carolina and Southwest Virginia is deeply steeped in the tradition of the fiber arts. Set among the mountains, just a few miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Sparta offers a small town quaintness, not far from bigger cities and a more metropolis-like atmosphere.
The event is held at the Higgins Fairgrounds in Sparta, NC.
Admission is free!
They will have classes, demonstrations and events galore! Plus lots of great vendors for your shopping pleasure.
They welcome volunteers, and are always happy to receive suggestions for classes or items to be included in the festival.
For information go to their website at: blueridgefiberfest.com or Email: blueridgefiberfest@gmail.com
For information on my classes there: blueridgefiberfest.com/felting-classes
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Handweavers Guild Of America – Convergence 2024
July 11th – 17th, 2024
Hyatt Regency & Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center Wichita, Kansas
With something of interest for everyone from the beginner to the expert, choose from more than 100 Sessions taught by innovative Fiber Art Leaders. Sessions vary from 90 minute seminars to three day workshops and include topics on weaving, spinning, dyeing, basket making, felting, sewing, professional development and more.
One of the best things about visiting Wichita is its central location. Upon arrival, visitors enjoy how easy it is to get from place to place, whether walking around downtown or driving in the city. With an easy five-to-10-minute drive from the airport to downtown, it’s a luxury to arrive and easily get to where you want to go! Wichita is also easily accessible by car with junctions for I-35 and I-135, and U.S. Highway 81 and U.S. Highway 54/400.
Wichita’s state-of-the-art airport Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) is serviced by all major air carriers.
Wichita’s Q-Line offers free bus transportation to explore many of Wichita’s popular districts and businesses, including more than 200 downtown shops, restaurants, and hotels.
Convergence® will be held at the Hyatt Regency Wichita and the Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center in Wichita, Kansas. These two facilities are connected.
I will be teaching 2 classes at this wonderful event for fiber enthusiasts! There is so much info on this week long event! Please click on the various links to find out more about this week long fiber spectacular!
Create an Owl Painting Using Needle Felting (1W-U104)
Irene Heckel-Volpe
1-Day Workshop
Create an 8″ x 10″ owl painting using fibers and a felting needle. We will be using prefelt base with a basic design tracing, then adding the detail and blending fibers to create the color, light and shadows. Learning to blend color and using the right amount of fiber will be emphasized to get the best results. Finished fiber painting will be suitable for matting and framing (11″ x 14″ mat with an 8″ x 10″ opening).
Required Equipment: None
Prerequisite Skills: No prerequisite experience required
Registration Fee: $153 with CVP or $205 without
Materials Fee: $15
Skill Level: All
Participants must hold an active student, individual, family, or professional artist Handweavers Guild of America, Inc. (HGA) membership. Not a member? Join today!
You can find information about the Convergence® conference on our website, as well as information about all sessions and leaders.
For more info on this class click on the link: tockify.com/handweaverscalendar/detail/1664/1720965600000
Needle Felting A Character Doll Using Wire Armature (3W-M140)
Irene Heckel-Volpe
3-Day Workshop
Learn to use wool fibers and a felting needle to create a character doll. We will cover needle felting techniques to help develop a character doll face. The techniques will help build noses, cheeks, ears, eyes, etc., all with the goal of creating a unique character. Since there are no patterns each doll will be a one of a kind and represent our learning journey. We will also be constructing a basic wire armature and learning to create a body to complete and compliment our doll’s character. If doll is completed, costuming or clothing will be addressed and can be started in class if time allows, or completed at home. A sense of adventure and humor adds to the creative journey also.
Required Equipment: None
Prerequisite Skills: No prerequisite experience is necessary, but some needle felting experience is helpful
Registration Fee: $459 with CVP or $613 without
Materials Fee: $25
Skill Level: All
Participants must hold an active student, individual, family, or professional artist Handweavers Guild of America, Inc. (HGA) membership. Not a member? Join today!
You can find information about the Convergence® conference on our website, as well as information about all sessions and leaders.
Southeast Fiber Arts Alliance – Atlanta, GA
Needle Felting Wizards, Hobbits and Elves
FENCE (Foothills Equestrian and Nature Center)
FENCE (Foothills Equestrian and Nature Center) in Tryon – Foothills Equestrian Nature Center 3381 Hunting Country Road, Tryon, NC 828-859-9021
WORKING ON NEW CLASSES FOR 2025 – CHECK BACK SOON!
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Tryon Arts and Crafts School
Tryon Arts and Crafts School – 373 Harmon Field Road, in Tryon, NC 828.859-8323
Please register directly through their website… here is the link https://tryonartsandcrafts.org/product-category/workshops
No new classes at this time
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